Joliesse Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (California, $17.95, LCBO #16564)
Deep purple in colour; cedary, vanilla, earthy, plum bouquet; medium to full-bodied, dry, savoury, clove and blackcurrant and red plum flavours; firmly structured, good length. (89)
Château Vrai Caillou 2018 (Bordeaux; $14.95, Vintages #34292, to be released September 10th)
Deep ruby colour; toasty, cedary, vanilla, blackcurrant nose; dry; medium-bodied, well-structured, savoury, spicy black fruit flavours; ripe tannins, Great value. (89)
Henry of Pelham Speck Family Reserve Chardonnay 2020 (Short Hills Bench, $34.95, Vintages #616466, to be released September 24th)
Bright golden colour; toasty, apple nose; medium-bodied, dry, apple flavour with oak spice and a lemony finish. An elegant wine, beautifully balanced with well-integrated oak. (91)
Henry of Pelham Cabernet-Merlot 2021 (Niagara Peninsula, $15.95 ($13.95 until August 14th), LCBO #504241)
A blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ruby-purple in colour; lightly cedary nose of cherries and redcurrants; medium-bodied, dry, firmly structured; juicy, cherry and red plum flavours with enough tannins to give the wine structure. Great value. (90)
Soho Stella Sauvignon Blanc 2021 (Marlborough, NZ, $22.95, Vintages #554311, to be released September 24th)
Pale straw in colour with a lime tint; grassy, gooseberry bouquet; medium-bodied, crisply dry, grapefruit and green plum flavours. Well-balanced; good length. (91)
Cave Mystère Merlot 2019 (Bordeaux, $19.95; Vintages #17232, to be released Sept, 24th)
Deep ruby in colour with a tawny rim; cedary, vanilla, black cherry nose; medium-bodied, dry, toasty, slightly burnt savoury flavour of dried cherries. (88)
S. Sebastião Vinho Regional Lisboa 2019 ($13.95; Vintages #946360; to be released Sept. 24th)
Syrah and Tinta Roriz blend. Deep ruby colour; spicy, peppery, blackberry with toasty oak notes; full-bodied, dry, creamy, jammy blackberry flavour with a floral note; ripe tannins and a warm alcoholic finish. (89)
